July 1, 2026

Even though national guidelines clearly state that dental care is safe during pregnancy, many pregnant patients still do not get the dental care they need. Much of this has less to do with evidence and more to do with long-standing myths and system level barriers.

Oral health is frequently overlooked during prenatal appointments. When dental care isn’t discussed or recommended, patients may assume it isn’t important to prioritize or that it is unsafe. Research consistently shows that a medical provider’s recommendation is one of the strongest factors influencing whether a pregnant patient actually sees a dentist. Simply saying, “Dental care is safe and recommended during pregnancy,” can make a difference to your patients.

When oral health is discussed, the messaging may sometimes be inconsistent and can lead to the impression that dental treatment can be postponed until after pregnancy. Patients may be told to “wait until after delivery” or dentists may ask for obstetric clearance before providing routine or necessary care. These extra steps often lead to delays, confusion between providers, and can leave patients giving up on getting dental care altogether.

Prenatal and dental care often function independently with limited communication and referral pathways. As a result, pregnant patients are left to navigate dental referrals and provider hesitancy on their own. Improving coordination between medical and dental providers can help ensure oral health is treated as a routine part of prenatal care.

Make oral health a routine part of prenatal care. Include oral health screening questions as a part of standard prenatal counseling, reassure patients that dental care is safe during pregnancy, and actively encourage a dental visit. These simple activities can improve maternal and infant health outcomes.